Mike Cater – 2025
Mike Cater – Cambridge Ward
1. Operational Deficits and Borrowing (maximum 100 words)
Waipā is currently running operational deficits over three years, which reduces the annual rates increase by around 4%. To fund this gap, the council is borrowing an average of $8 million per year.
a. Were you aware of this funding strategy?
No
b. Do you agree with the approach of borrowing to fund operational shortfalls as prudent rather than raising rates to fully fund current operations? Why or why not?
Generally speaking, council should endeavour to live within its means – prudent would have been not placing our community and ratepayers in this position in the first place. The ‘nice-to-haves’ should be put on the backburner until such time they are affordable. Ratepayers are not a never-ending source of ever-increasing revenue. Other revenue streams should be considered other than hitting the ratepayer.
2. Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan (maximum 100 words)
The council has adopted the “Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan” as a long-term vision to guide growth and infrastructure planning.
a. Do you support the direction and priorities set out in Ahu Ake?
No
b. Given that the plan proposes a number of costly studies how would you ensure that it remains relevant, affordable, and aligned with community needs over time?
I do not support it. Council already produces a 3yr district plan and 10yr Long Term Plan. Much easier and more efficient to remain relevant, affordable and inline with community needs when dealing with shorter timeframes. Ratepayers should not foot the bill for plans that will likely change and need to be reassessed or redone.
3. Cambridge Connections (maximum 100 words)
The Cambridge Connections project reset proposes a transport network realignment and new infrastructure development around Cambridge, with potential long-term cost across the district and land use implications as well as extensive consultation.
a. Do you support the scale and scope of the Cambridge Connections project as currently proposed?
No
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
Many decisions have already been made for us. As the goal is to make private vehicles the least preferred travel option – what are the costs associated with a reliable, convenient transport network? I am not aware of these figures, therefore how can an informed answer be given?
4. Council Expenditure and Core Services (maximum 100 words)
a. In your view, is Waipā District Council currently limiting its spending to basic or essential services?
No. Over $1 million dollars spent on consultation for Ahu Ake and $14 million total for consultants over the last year.
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
Yes – council should be more transparent and accountable. In the current climate we need to be mindful of costs incurred.
5. Urban Intensification and Tier 1 Status (maximum 50 words)
Waipā must now enable greater housing intensification and density under new rules.
What principles should guide where and how higher-density housing is developed?
New housing/planning. Thought should be given to space, privacy and designs should be in keeping with the existing fabric of the town and complement existing feel of the location. Should not be considered for the existing suburban layout out of our communities i.e. old house knocked down and replaced with 3 storey flats.
6. Māori Ward Representation (maximum 50 words)
Waipā established a Māori ward to enhance Māori representation at the council table.
Do you support the continuation of the Māori ward beyond the current term?
New government legislation means the electors of Waipa district will decide if Māori Ward remains.
7. Community Boards (maximum 50 words)
Do you believe community boards effectively represent community views and provide valuable advice to council? Would you support any changes to their role or powers?
I do not believe they effectively represent community views. I am unaware of what advice they provide to council. B) it would depend on whether their powers/role is being increased or decreased and to what level.
8. Te Ara Wai (maximum 50 words)
What do you think the council should do with the old Bunnings building in Te Awamutu, which it bought to house Te Ara Wai Museum?
Sell it! Or do anything to turn it into a money-making venture. Contributing nothing positive to the community in its present capacity.
9. Future of Lake Karāpiro Domain (maximum 50 words)
Lake Karāpiro Domain is often referred to as Waipā’s “jewel in the crown”. The site is currently being reviewed under the Reserves Act 1977, and future options may include increased commercial development such as hotel or motel accommodation.
Hamilton City Council now charges outsiders to visit the Gardens, should Waipā do something similar at Karāpiro?
At present – no – will take money away from businesses in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Do you support further commercial development at Lake Karāpiro Domain and/or a visitors’ levy?
No, I don’t support a visitor levy.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
I want to see a district that is thriving, maintaining the small town charm that many of the towns in our district already possess. Growing too fast will only be an added expense for the ratepayer as well as a burden on infrastructure. Growth needs to be carefully managed and carefully planned. Growth should be led in consultation with our people. Our people’s voice is important and should be the driver behind the council’s actions. Our community should feel valued, heard and want to contribute positively to their region. Council decisions should be responsible, shaped by commonsense and the council should live within its means, for the betterment of our people. Accountability and transparency should light the way!
